Printing system, image operating system, printing method, and storage medium

ABSTRACT

A printing system includes: a camera unit for performing an electro-optic conversion on an image from a subject, generating image data storable in a storage unit, and storing print instruction information as associated with the image data according to the capture information relating to the capture of the image; an image editing unit for performing image editing on the image data; an information rewriting unit for rewriting the print instruction information stored as associated with the image data corresponding to the contents of image editing by the image editing unit; and a printing unit for performing a printing process after performing a predetermined image processing on the image data corresponding to the print instruction information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an image processing device forperforming an image editing process on image data obtained by a digitalcamera, and a printing system for printing the image data obtained byperforming an image editing process.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Recently, what is called a digital camera has been widely used incapturing an image using an image pickup device such as a charge-coupleddevice (CCD), etc.

[0005] The image data of an image captured by the digital camera can beeasily transmitted and treated in an image processing operation. Forexample, when a captured image is a portrait, it can be finished as asoft image (in a portrait mode) in image processing. When the image is alandscape picture, it can also be reproduced with a subject with higherchroma in vivid color (in a landscape mode), when the image is for aquick moving object such as sporting motion, etc., it is processed withcontrast enhancement for higher clearness of the image (in a sportmode), etc. in image processing.

[0006] In the image processing, an image can be printed with theemphasized beauty of a picture.

[0007] The above mentioned technology of image processing for image datais disclosed by, for example, the ‘Image Processing Method’ of JapanesePatent Publication No. Hei 11-239269.

[0008] The technology described in the publication discloses the methodof stably outputting a high quality image reproduced as a printed imageby assigning scene information obtained during image capturing to imagedata, and setting the optimum image processing condition depending onthe scene information in the digital image processing during printing.

[0009] Another technology of image processing on image data is disclosedby the ‘Image Forming Apparatus, Displaying Method, and Storage Mediumtherefor’ of Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 10-200671.

[0010] The technology in the publication discloses the method ofoutputting a user-desired image by recording the finishing informationabout a film such as a soft focus, a soft finishing instruction, etc. onthe magnetic track of the film, and performing image processingaccording to the finishing information during printing.

[0011] In these above mentioned technologies, information about the typeof the capture scene with which the image is captured is added to theimage data, and the image processing is performed according to theinformation about the type of the capture scene assigned to the imagedata in many cases. For example, as disclosed in Japanese PatentPublication No. Hei 11-239269, scene information is assigned to imagedata, and the image is printed during printing, etc. after automaticallyperforming desired image processing according to the scene informationby a printer device, thereby automatically printing a beautiful photo.Similarly, in the technology of Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei10-200671, an image is printed after performing the image processingaccording to the finishing information about the process on image data.

[0012] Also popularized recently is application software for imageprocessing capable of fetching image data captured by a digital camerainto a general-purpose computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) suchas a personal computer, etc., and freely adjusting each parameter in anarbitrary degree of the brightness, chroma, color balance, etc. of thefetched image data. Using the image processing software, a capturedimage can be treated in a fine adjusting process while being displayedon the PC monitor, thereby generating a user-desired image.

[0013] Additionally, in printing a captured image, as described above,the contents of the desired image processing depend on the type of thescene of a captured image in many cases. Therefore, the mode information(a portrait mode, a landscape mode, a sports mode, etc.) during imagecapturing by a camera is recorded after adding it to captured imagedata, the mode information is read during printing and treated in imageprocessing depending on each mode, and then printed, thereby realizing avery useful system capable of automatically obtaining a beautifulprinted picture.

[0014] However, when image data obtained by adding the scene informationto a captured image is fetched to a PC, a desired adjustment, process,etc. are performed on the data, and the processed image data is to beprinted on a printer device, and if the printer device is configured toprint the image by automatically reading mode information and printingafter performing corresponding image processing, then, although theimage data is processed such that the optimum image can be obtained forprinting such as a process of improving the chroma by performing imageprocessing on a PC, a process of performing contrast enhancement. etc.,the printer device performs the printing process with further imageprocessing of performing chroma or contrast enhancement, etc. on theimage data. As a result, an image different from the user-desired imagesuch as an excessively chroma or contrast improved image, etc. isprinted, thereby failing in obtaining a printed image of a desiredquality.

[0015] To avoid the above mentioned case, it is possible to for a userto determine whether or not image processing is performed by a printerdevice, etc. for performing the printing process each time the printingprocess is performed, which is a very bothersome operation for the user,though.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention aims at providing an image processingdevice, a printing system, a printing method, and a storage mediumcapable of obtaining a printed image in a desired state without a user'sadditional operation on the image data of a captured image.

[0017] The printing system according to the present invention includes acamera unit, an image editing unit, an information rewriting unit, and aprinting unit.

[0018] The camera unit performs an electro-optic conversion on an imagefrom a subject, generates image data storable in the storage unit, andstores print instruction information associated with the image dataaccording to capture information relating to the capture of the image.

[0019] The image editing unit performs image editing on the image data.

[0020] The information rewriting unit rewrites the print instructioninformation stored in association with the image data corresponding tothe contents of the image editing by the image editing unit.

[0021] The printing unit performs a printing process after performing apredetermined image processing on the image data corresponding to theprint instruction information.

[0022] The printing system according to the present invention can alsobe configured to include a storage unit for storing image data processedin image editing by the image editing unit associated with the printinstruction information rewritten by the information rewriting unitcorresponding to the contents of the image editing of the image editingunit.

[0023] The image processing device according to the present inventionalso includes: an image editing unit for performing image editing onimage data storable in a storage unit after being obtained by performingan electro-optic conversion on an image from a subject; and aninformation rewriting unit for rewriting print instruction informationaccording to capture information relating to the capture of the imagedata stored in association with the image data corresponding to thecontents of the image editing by the image editing unit.

[0024] According to the present invention, the print instructioninformation stored in association with the image data is rewritten bythe information rewriting unit according to the contents of the imageediting performed by the image editing unit and the image is amendedaccording to the print instruction information. Therefore, an imageamendment can be made based on the contents of the image editing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025]FIG. 1 shows the concept of the entire flow of an embodiment ofthe present invention;

[0026]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the configuration of an electroniccamera;

[0027]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the configuration of a printerdevice;

[0028]FIG. 4 shows the basic configuration of a PC;

[0029]FIG. 5 shows a capture condition information—printer correctionparameter conversion table.

[0030]FIG. 6 shows an image edition contents information—printercorrection parameter conversion table;

[0031]FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the capturing process according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the image editing process according tothe first embodiment of the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the printing process according to thefirst and second embodiments of the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the details of the printing imageprocessing;

[0035]FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the capturing process according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention;

[0036]FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the image editing process according tothe second embodiment of the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 13 is a table showing the correspondence between the imageediting contents and the capture condition information;

[0038]FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the image editing process according tothe third embodiment of the present invention;

[0039]FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the capturing process according to thefourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0040]FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the image editing process according tothe fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0041]FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the capturing process according to thefifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0042]FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the image editing process according tothe fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0043]FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the printing process according to thefifth embodiment of the present invention; and

[0044]FIG. 20 shows an example of a storage medium. according to anembodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0045] Basic Principle

[0046]FIG. 1 shows the concept of the entire flow of an embodiment ofthe present embodiment.

[0047] In the printing system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, the image processing device performs image processing on theimage data of the image captured by a digital camera 1, and a printerdevice 4 prints the processed image data. At this time, the imageprocessing device generates print correction information used duringprinting with the contents of the image correction and the informationassigned to the image data taken into account. Then, the printer device4 prints the image data by performing the image processing according tothe print correction information. Thus, although any image processinghas been performed on the image data after it is captured, auser-desired printed image can be obtained.

[0048] The image processing device according to an embodiment of thepresent invention can be configured as an image processing device 3independent of the digital camera 1 and the printer device 4, or can berealized as an appliance incorporated into the digital camera 1 or theprinter device 4 or an appliance added as an option. The imageprocessing device 3 can be realized as an appliance exclusive for theimage editing process or can be realized as functioning in a sense ofsoftware by operating an application program on a PC.

[0049] The image data captured by the digital camera 1 is stored in amemory card 2, and transmitted to the image processing device 3 or theprinter device 4 using the memory card 2. According to the presentembodiment, the transmission/reception of data among appliances is notperformed only by the memory card 2, but can be performed by any ofother portable storage media. Otherwise, the appliances can be connectedthrough a cable so that data can be transferred through the cable orthrough wireless communications.

[0050]FIGS. 2 and 3 are block diagrams showing examples of theconfiguration of the digital camera 1 and the printer device 4 containedin the printing system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. The electronic camera shown in FIG. 2 has the function ofenabling an image to be captured in a scene mode set by a user (whocaptures the image). The printer device shown in FIG. 3 has the functionof enabling a printing process to be performed by performing acorrecting process according to the print correction information addedto image data to be printed.

[0051] First, the configuration of an electronic camera is described byreferring to FIG. 2.

[0052] In FIG. 2, an image pickup unit is configured by a zoom lenssystem 11, an image pickup device 12, an image pickup circuit 13, and anA/D (analog/digital) conversion circuit 14. In the image pickup unit, anelectro-optic conversion is performed by the image pickup device 12 on asubject image formed by the zoom lens system 11, and an image signalwhich is a conversion output is input to the A/D conversion circuit 14through the image pickup circuit 13 to be A/D converted, therebyobtaining image data which is digital data. The lens provided for thezoom lens system 11 is driven by a lens drive unit 16 controlled by alens drive control circuit 15, and a focus adjustment is performed onthe subject image.

[0053] A system controller 17 is provided with a CPU (central processingunit), controls each unit configuring an electronic camera, and performsvarious types of image processing of correcting the variations of lightand shade, chroma, a hue, etc. of an image-displayed by image data.

[0054] An ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) unit 18performs a compressing process and a decompressing process on the imagedata in the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format.

[0055] ROM 19 is a read only memory storing a control program, forallowing the CPU provided for the system controller 17 to perform thecontrol of each unit forming part of an electronic camera, arithmeticdata required in each type of process, a capture conditioninformation—printer correction parameter conversion table, an imageedition contents information—printer correction parameter conversiontable, etc. described later.

[0056] RAM 20 is random access memory for use as buffer memory fortemporarily storing image data and as a work storage area for use ineach type of process by the system controller 17.

[0057] A memory I/F (interface) 21 provides an interface fortransmitting and receiving data to and from a memory card 23 insertedinto a card slot 22, and performs processes of writing an image file(including image data) to the memory card 23 configured by comprisingsemiconductor memory which can read and write data, or reading an imagefile (including image data) from the memory card 23.

[0058] An external I/F (interface) 24 provides the function of aninterface for transmitting and receiving data to and from an externaldevice connected to an external input/output terminal 25, for example, apersonal computer, etc., outputs an image file (including image data),various data, etc. to an external device, and inputs an image file(including image data), various data, etc. from an external device.

[0059] Video memory 26 temporarily stores displaying image data obtainedin the image processing by the system controller 17. The image data isthen read from the video memory 26, input into a video output circuit27, and converted into an image signal which is a video signal. When theimage signal is input into an image display LCD 28, an image isdisplayed. The image signal can also be transmitted to another devicethrough a video output terminal 29.

[0060] A strobe emission unit 30 emits strobe light when an image iscaptured using the strobe light.

[0061] An operation unit 31 has various buttons (including a releasebutton) and a switch, etc. for reception of each instruction form a user(who captures the image) such as an additional function settinginstruction, a capture instruction, etc. other than the main functionfor capturing an image such as a scene mode instruction, a sensitivityinformation increment setting, etc., and transmits a receivedinstruction to the system controller 17..

[0062] An electric power supply unit 32 controls the voltage of a camerabattery 33 or the voltage of electric power received by an externalpower supply terminal 34, and provides the electric power to each unitof the electronic camera.

[0063] The configuration of the printer device is described below byreferring to FIG. 3. The printer device shown in FIG. 3 uses an inkribbon formed by, for example, Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan),and is a printer device in a sublimation type thermal transfer systemfor printing data onto paper in a surface conjunct method.

[0064] In FIG. 3, a system controller 41 is provided with a CPU (centralprocessing unit), controls each unit configuring a printer device,analyzes image data, and automatically performs each type of imageprocessing for correcting the variations of light and shade, chroma, ahue, etc. of an image based on the analysis result.

[0065] An ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) unit 42performs a compressing process and a decompressing process on image datain the JPEG (joint photographic experts group) format.

[0066] A memory I/F (interface) 43 provides the function of an interfacefor transmitting and receiving data to and from a memory card 45inserted into a card slot 44, writes an information (including imagedata) to the memory card 45 configured by comprising datawritable/readable semiconductor memory, or read an image file (includingimage data) from the memory card 45.

[0067] RAM 46 is a random access memory for use as buffer memory fortemporarily storing image data, and is also used as a work storage areain various processes by the system controller 41.

[0068] ROM 47 is a read only memory storing a control program forallowing the CPU provided for the system controller 41 to control eachunit forming part of a printer device and arithmetic data required invarious processes, etc..

[0069] A thermal head control unit 48 reads printing image data obtainedin various image processing such as an automatically image qualitycorrecting process, etc. by the system controller 41 for each 1-linedata, and drives (heats) a thermal head 49 based on the read data,thereby performing a printing process by sublimating and absorbing thedyestuffs of a ink ribbon 51 onto paper 50. A paper feed control circuit52 controls a paper feed unit 53 and feeds paper 50 from a papercartridge 54 corresponding to sequential application of each ink suchthat an overlap printing can be performed using the ink ribbon 51 of Y,M, and C.

[0070] An operation unit 55 has various buttons, switches, etc. forreception of various instructions form a user such as an image selectioninstruction, a printing instruction, etc., and transmits a receivedinstruction to the system controller 41. For example, it can be anelectric supply switch, a print button, a cross key, etc.

[0071] An electric power supply unit 56 controls the voltage of theelectric power input to an external power supply terminal 57, andprovides electric power to each unit comprising part of the printerdevice.

[0072] An interface controller 58 controls reception of image datatransferred from a cable connected to a connector 59. The interfacecontroller 58 performs control based on the communications protocol suchas USB, IEEE1394, etc., and communicates data with the digital camera 1and the image processing device 3 through a cable connect to theconnector 59.

[0073]FIG. 4 shows the basic configuration of a PC when the imageprocessing device 3 is realized by operating an application program on aPC.

[0074] In FIG. 4, a PC comprises a CPU 61, a main storage device 62, anauxiliary storage device 63 such as a hard disk, etc., an input/outputdevice (I/O) 64 such as a display, a keyboard, etc., a communicationsdevice 65 such as a modem, etc., and a medium reading device 66 forreading storage contents from a portable storage medium 67 such as amemory card, a flexible disk, CD-ROM, an MO, a magnetic tap, etc. Thesecomponents are interconnected through a bus 68.

[0075] With the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the medium reading device66 reads a program and data stored in the portable storage medium 67,and downloads them into the main storage device 62 and/or the auxiliarystorage device 63. Then, each process as the image processing device 3can be realized in a sense of software by the CPU 61 performing aprocess based on the program and data.

[0076] When image processing is performed, the PC shown in FIG. 4 readsimage data by the medium reading device 66 from the portable storagemedium 67 such as a memory card, etc., by the communications device 65from the digital camera 1, or by a common circuit such as Internet,etc., displays the read image data on a display, etc., performs imageprocessing at an instruction from a user, and records the result asimage data in the portable storage medium 67 or the auxiliary storagedevice 63. At this time, the print correction information generatedaccording to the contents of the image processing by the user and thecapture condition information associated with the image data, isassociated with the image data treated in the image processing, forexample, associated with the same image file, or associated in themethod of associating using a file name, etc.

[0077] Then, the image data is transferred to the printer device 4through the portable storage medium 67 or using a cable, wirelesscommunications, a common circuit, etc. from the communications device65.

[0078] Then, described below are the practical processes performed whenan image is captured, when an image editing process is performed, andduring printing.

[0079] First Embodiment

[0080] With any of the digital camera 1, the image processing device 3,and the printer device 4, the first embodiment, only the capturecondition information indicating the capture condition, etc. set by auser during image capturing, and the image editing contents informationindicating the contents of the image processing operation performed onthe image data are associated with the image data and stored. Only inthe printer device 4 or the image processing device 3 for outputting thefinal print data to the printer device 4, a print correction parameteris generated according to the capture condition information indicatingthe scene mode, etc. or the image editing contents informationindicating the contents of the process performed in the imageprocessing. Then, the printer device 4 performs the correcting processon the image data according to the print correction parameter, and thenprints the data. In the printer device 4, the print correction parameteris used for image correction on the image data based on thecharacteristic of the ink, the specifications specific to the printerdevice 4, etc. before printing the image data such that the image datacan be printed in the optimum state. The print correction parameter isused in placing a restriction on or issuing an instruction to each of aplurality of processes performed in the image correction.

[0081] The printer device 4 and the image processing device (the imageprocessing device 3, or the image processing device in the digitalcamera 1 or the printer device 4) which outputs print data leaves theinformation associated with the read image data as is if it is a printcorrection parameter, and converts it if it is capture conditioninformation or image editing contents information.

[0082] Described first is the case in which the capture conditioninformation is stored as associated with the image data. In this case,the image captured by the digital camera 1 is printed without performingan image processing operation on the image by the user.

[0083]FIG. 5 is a capture condition information—printer correctionparameter conversion table showing the relationship between capturecondition information and a print correction parameter.

[0084] In FIG. 5, an exposure mode (automatic, manual), a photometricmode (automatic, spot), an exposure correction (with a correction, nocorrection), white balance (automatic, manual), strobe light (emission,no emission yet), a scene mode (portrait, landscape, sports), contrast(standard, high, low), chroma (standard, high, low), sharpness(standard, high, low), ISO sensitivity (no improvement, withimprovement), a digital zoom (none, magnification) are horizontallylisted as the capture condition information, and recorded with the imagedata captured based on the capture condition on which the user capturedthe image using the digital camera 1. Listed in the vertical directionare the items of the print correction parameter indicating the processcontents during image processing when a printing process is actuallyperformed by the printer device 4, that is, the brightness, contrast,white balance, chroma, sharpness, presence/absence of a noise reductionprocess, and presence/absence of a jaggy process of a printed image.These items are set in the image processing performed during printing,and the printer device 4 performs the image processing on the image databased on the print correction parameter, thereby performing the printingprocess.

[0085] The items of the capture condition information and the printcorrection parameter listed in FIG. 5 are examples, and the items dependon the specifications of the digital camera 1 and the printer device 4.Additionally, new items of the capture condition information and theprint correction parameter can be added or any of the items can bedeleted in consideration of the compatibility of data between thedigital camera 1 and the printer device 4. Otherwise, a quite differentconfiguration can be set.

[0086] The capture condition information—printer correction parameterconversion table prescribes the setting restrictions on the printcorrection parameter set based on the set value in the capture conditioninformation and the process execution instructions in the imageprocessing performed by the printer device 4 during printing. In FIG. 5,on the capture condition information—printer correction parameterconversion table, the restriction contents (in FIG. 5, ‘O’: setting theprint correction parameter for process execution regardless of othercapture condition conditions when the current item is set, ‘X’: settingthe print correction parameter not for process execution regardless ofother capture condition conditions when the current item is set, blankcolumn, higher value, lower value: an execution instruction to correctfor arbitrary, higher, and lower values for the print correctionparameter when ‘X’ is not marked for other items of the capturecondition information) for setting the print correction. parameterlisted in the vertical direction are shown for each item recorded in thecapture condition information listed in the horizontal direction.

[0087] When image data is printed on the printer device 4, the printcorrection parameter is set for the image data so that the optimumprinting process can be performed, and the printing process is performedafter performing the image processing on the image data using the printcorrection parameter. When the print correction parameter is set, theprinter device 4 determined the print correction parameter depending onthe contents of the capture condition information—printer correctionparameter conversion table built in the printer device 4 as shown inFIG. 5.

[0088] For example, when the digital camera 1 is used in manuallycapturing an image using the emission by strobe light, the capturecondition information associated with the image data of the capturedimage includes ‘emission’ in the item ‘strobe light’, and ‘manual’ inthe item ‘exposure mode’ set and recorded. Since the item ‘strobe light’in the capture condition information is set with ‘emission’, the printerdevice 4 which reads the image data set the print correction parametersuch that the contrast of the image data can be changed into a lowervalue in the process corresponding to the ‘contrast’ of the printcorrection parameter unless the item ‘contrast’ in the capture conditioninformation is set with ‘high’ or ‘low’. Furthermore, since the item‘exposure mode’ in the capture condition information is set with‘manual’, the print correction parameter is set such that no process canbe performed on the ‘brightness’ of the print correction parameter. Inthe processes on the other items such as white balance, chroma,sharpness, a noise reduction process, a jaggy process, etc., the printcorrection parameter is set based on the restrictions if there are therestrictions as in the above mentioned cases of the items ‘contrast’ and‘exposure mode’, and the print correction parameter is set such that theimage processing can be performed with the contents set by default inthe printer device 4 when there are no restrictions by other settings ofthe capture condition information. By the printing process performedafter the image correction by the printer device 4 according to theprint correction parameter, the user can obtain a printed image in theoptimum state without issuing a special instruction for the printingprocess.

[0089] Described below is the case in which the image data of an imagecaptured by the digital camera 1 is processes by the user into a desiredimage in the image processing operation using the image processingdevice (the image processing device 3, or the image processing device inthe digital camera 1 or the printer device 4).

[0090] In this case, the user first operates the digital camera 1 or theprinter device 4 on the image data of the captured image, or fetches theimage data into the image processing device 3, arbitrarily adjusts theparameter such as brightness, chroma, contrast, etc. for generation of adesired image, performs the image processing operation such assynthesizing a template, etc., and stores the adjusted image data. Atthis time, the capture condition information associated with theoriginal image data prior to the image processing operation by the imageprocessing device is replaced with the image editing contentsinformation, and stored as associated with the image data after theimage processing operation.

[0091] When the processed image data is printed on the printer device 4,the image editing contents information associated with the image data tobe printed is converted into a print correction parameter in the printerdevice 4, and treated in the image processing based on the printcorrection parameter, thereby performing the printing process. Forexample, if the user changes a parameter value of the brightness,contrast, chroma, etc. to obtain a desired image and performs a trimmingprocess, etc. and then stores the image data, then the informationindicating the type of image processing operation and the numericalinformation such as the change amount, etc. as necessary are stored withthe image data.

[0092] The image editing contents information can also be configured tobe generated with not only the contents of the image processingoperation performed by the image processing device but also the contentsof the capture condition information associated with the original imagetaken into account. For example, if ‘manual’ is set and recorded in theitem ‘exposure mode’ in the capture condition information, then theimage editing contents information stores the information similar tothat in the case of changing ‘brightness’ in the image processingoperation.

[0093] Thus, the image editing contents information is generated byadding the converted capture condition information to the informationbased on the image processing operation performed by the user using theimage processing device, and stored as associated with the image data.

[0094] When the image data is fetched into the printer device 4 forprinting, a print correction parameter is generated according to theimage editing contents information, and the image processing isperformed based on the print correction parameter, thereby performing aprinting process.

[0095]FIG. 6 is an image edition contents information—printer correctionparameter conversion table showing the relationship between the imageediting contents information and the print correction parameter. Theimage edition contents information—printer correction parameterconversion table is used in converting the image editing contentsinformation into a print correction parameter, and is stored in thememory such as the ROM 47, etc. in the printer device 4 according to thefirst embodiment.

[0096] In the image edition contents information—printer correctionparameter conversion table shown in FIG. 6, items of the image editingcontents information, that is, brightness, contrast, color balance,chroma, sharpness, trimming, template synthesis, are listed in thehorizontal direction. The information about them are stored with theimage data after the image processing operation performed by the userusing the image processing device. Each item of the print correctionparameter is listed in the vertical direction, and the contents of therestrictions in the vertical direction when the print correctionparameter is set in relation to each item recorded in the image editingcontents information displayed in the horizontal direction are displayedin the same expression as the capture condition information—printercorrection parameter conversion table shown in FIG. 5.

[0097] When the printer device 4 reads image data to be printed, theassociated image editing contents information is converted into a printcorrection parameter according to the image edition contentsinformation—printer correction parameter conversion table.

[0098] For example, if the image editing contents information includesthe information that the process of changing the parameter of thebrightness of an image has been performed as an image processingoperation, then the printer device 4 sets a print correction parametersuch that the parameter for change of the brightness and the contrastmay not be changed, based on the image edition contentsinformation—printer correction parameter conversion table. Then, theprinter device 4 performs control such that an image processing relatingto the brightness and the contrast can be suppressed and cannot beperformed according to the print correction parameter while controllingother items such as white balance, chroma, sharpness, a noise reductionprocess, a jaggy process, etc. to be set by default in the printerdevice 4 in the image processing, and then printing an image.

[0099] Thus, for example, when the user performs an image processingoperation on the brightness, the user adjusts the image data captured bythe digital camera 1 for desired brightness of image, the image is to beprocessed for no more correction (brightness). Therefore, the printerdevice 4 performs no further process of changing the brightness on theimage in the image processing during printing. The capture conditioninformation not treated by the image processing device in the imageprocessing operation functions as the print instruction information asis during printing.

[0100] As a result, although the user has performed an image processingoperation using the image processing device, the user can obtain adesired printed image on the printer device 4 without issuing a specialoperation instruction.

[0101]FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the capturing process performed by thedigital camera 1.

[0102] When the capturing process starts, the digital camera 1 checksthe available capacity of the memory card for recording a captured imagein step S1.

[0103] If it is confirmed that there is an available capacity forstorage of image data in the memory card, then the digital camera 1enters a state of awaiting the pressing of a release button (NO in stepS2). When the release button is pressed (YES in step S2), the capturingprocess is performed under each capture condition set in the digitalcamera 1 (step S3). Then, the digital camera 1 performs an AWB(auto-white balance) process (step S4), a color converting process (stepS5), a gray-scale converting process (step S6), and an edge emphasizingprocess (step S7) on the captured image according to the scene mode,etc. selected and set by the user, and performs a JPEG compressingprocess on the image data in step S8. Then, in step S9, the image datais stored on the memory card. At this time, various conditions duringimage capturing, for example, a selected scene mode (portrait mode,landscape mode, etc.), the additional function setting informationindicating the settings of the additional functions set in the digitalcamera such as the presence/absence of exposure correction (automatic,manual), the improvement of sensitivity information, etc., etc., arestored (step S10) as associated with the image data stored in step S9,thereby terminating the capturing process. Until the release button ispressed in step S2, the user can change the setting of the camera.

[0104]FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the image editing process performed bythe image processing device.

[0105] The image processing device (the image processing device 3, orthe image processing device of the digital camera 1 or the printerdevice 4) reads the image file which stores the image data of the imagespecified by the user in step S11 when the image data is edited. Then,the image processing device performs the image editing process such aschanging a parameter on the image data read, etc. at an instruction ofthe user in step S12, generates image editing contents information fromthe contents of the image editing process, etc., replaces the capturecondition information with the image editing contents information, andstores the image data after the image editing process (step S13). Atthis time, the image data can be stored as overriding the image data ofthe original image stored before the image editing process, or can alsobe stored as respective data.

[0106]FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts of the printing process performed bythe printer device 4. In the present embodiment, the process shown inFIGS. 9 and 10 can be configured such that it is performed by anapplication program operating on a PC.

[0107] The process shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is described later in detailaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Second Embodiment

[0109] According to the first embodiment, the image data is stored asassociated with the capture condition information by the digital camera1, and with the image editing contents information by the imageprocessing device. The printer device 4 converts these informations intoa print correction parameter. On the other hand, according to the secondembodiment, when the image data is recorded by the digital camera 1, andwhen the image data is stored after performing the image editing processon the image data by the image processing device, the image data isstores as associated not with the capture condition information or theimage editing contents information, but with the print correctionparameter.

[0110] According to the second embodiment, when the user performs acapturing process using the digital camera 1, the digital camera 1converts a captured image into image data. At this time, the digitalcamera 1 generates a print correction parameter according to theinformation such as various conditions during image capturing, forexample, a set scene mode, the settings of the additional functions suchas the presence/absence of the setting of exposure correction, etc., theoperation states, etc. such as the presence/absence of the emission ofstrobe light, etc., and stores the parameter as associated with imagedata.

[0111] Therefore, when the image data is printed on the printer device4, the print correction parameter has already been prepared. Therefore,the printer device 4 performs a printing process after performing imageprocessing based on the print correction parameter as shown in FIG. 5.As a result, the user can obtain the optimally processed image withoutissuing a special instruction.

[0112] If the user performs the image editing process of adjusting imagedata into a desired image on the image processing device (imageprocessing device 3 or the image processing device in the digital camera1 or the printer device 4); a print correction parameter is generatedbased on the contents of the image editing process when the image datain which the image editing process such as a parameter change onbrightness, chroma, contrast, etc., and the template synthesis process,etc. is reflected is stored, and the generated print correctionparameter is stored as associated with the image data after the imageediting process. Then, during the printing process, the printer device 4performs a printing process after performing the image processing basedon the print correction parameter associated with the image data to beprinted. Therefore, the user can obtain the optimally processed printedimage without issuing a special instruction, even if the user performedthe image editing process of adjusting image data on the imageprocessing device.

[0113] Thus, according to the second embodiment, since the printerdevice 4 does not convert capture condition information or image editingcontents information into a print correction parameter, it is notnecessary to prepare the capture condition information—printercorrection parameter conversion table shown in FIG. 5 or the imageedition contents information—printer correction parameter conversiontable shown in FIG. 6. Furthermore, since no converting process isperformed during printing, the printing process can be performed at ahigher speed.

[0114]FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the capturing process performed by thedigital camera 1 according to the second embodiment. The digital camera1 according to the second embodiment is provided with a table forconversion of various conditions during image capturing into a printcorrection parameter which corresponds to the capture conditioninformation—printer correction parameter conversion table shown in FIG.5.

[0115] In FIG. 11, since the processes of checking a memory card torecording image data in steps S41 through S49 are the same as theprocesses in steps S1 through S9 in FIG. 7, the detailed explanation isomitted here.

[0116] When the image data of a captured image is stored in step S49,the digital camera 1 generates a print correction parameter according tothe capture condition information indicating various conditions duringimage capturing such as the scene mode selected during image capturing,additional function setting information, etc., and stores it in step S50as associated with the external device stored in step S49, therebyterminating the capturing process.

[0117]FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the image editing process performed bythe image processing device according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention. The image-processing device according to the secondembodiment is provided with a table for conversion of the contents ofthe image editing process performed by the user on the image data into aprint correction parameter which corresponds to the image editioncontents information—printer correction parameter conversion table shownin FIG. 6.

[0118] The image processing device (the image processing device 3, orthe image processing device in the digital camera 1 or the printerdevice 4) reads an image file in which image data of an image specifiedby a user is recorded in step S51 as in the first embodiment when theimage data is edited. Then, the image processing device performs theimage editing process of changing a parameter, etc. on the read imagedata at an instruction of the user in step S 52. Then, in step S53, aprint correction parameter is generated from the contents of the imageediting process, etc., and then replaces the items in the printcorrection parameter associated with the original image before the imageediting process which are required to be replaced based on the imageediting process. At this time, the image data can overwrite the imagedata of the original image before the image editing process, or can bestored as respective data.

[0119]FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the printing process performed by theprinter device 4 according to the second and first embodiments of thepresent invention. In the present embodiment, the process in FIG. 9 canbe configured to be performed not by the printer device 4, but by anapplication program operating on a PC.

[0120] The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 corresponds to the case in whichthe digital camera 1 and the image processing device store the imagedata as associated with the capture condition information and the imageediting contents information as in the first embodiment, and the case inwhich the image data is stored as associated with the print correctionparameter as in the second embodiment.

[0121] In FIG. 9, when the printing process starts, the printer device 4reads an image file in which image data of an image specified by theuser is recorded in step S21.

[0122] Then, it is checked in step S22 whether or not the informationassociated with the image file read includes a print correctionparameter. If there is a print correction parameter associated with theefile (YES in step S22), then the printing process is performed on theprint correction parameter as having a higher priority than the capturecondition information and image editing contents information, therefore,the print correction parameter is read (step S23). Furthermore, unlessthere is an associated print correction parameter in step S22 (NO instep S22), the capture condition information or the image editingcontents information associated with the image data is read in step S24,and is converted into a print correction parameter (step S25).

[0123] Then, a print image processing is performed and print data isgenerated in step S26 using a print correction parameter obtained instep S23 or S25. Then, in the printing process in step S27, if theprinter device 4 performs the present process, then an image is printedaccording to the print data. If an application program performs thepresent process, then the print data is transmitted to the printerdevice, thereby performing an image printing process.

[0124]FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the details of the print imageprocessing in step S26 shown in FIG. 9.

[0125] In this process, the analysis of image data to be printed such asthe brightness, contrast, chroma, etc. is carried out in step S31.

[0126] Then, in step S32, an amount of correction of image quality iscomputed with the analysis result in step S31 and the print correctionparameter obtained in step S25 taken into account. Based on this, acontrast correcting process (step S33), a brightness correcting process(step S34), a white balance correcting process (step S35), a chromacorrecting process (step S36), a sharpness (resolution) correctingprocess (step S37), a noise reduction process (step S39) for reducingnoise, and a jaggy process (step S39) for reducing jaggys are performed,thereby generating print data, and returning control to step S27.

[0127] Third Embodiment

[0128] In the first embodiment, when the user intentionally performs animage editing process on the image data, the image editing contentsinformation replaces the capture condition information associated withthe image data, and is added to the image data.

[0129] However, with this configuration, the printer device 4 requiresthe image edition contents information—printer correction parameterconversion table in addition to the capture conditioninformation—printer correction parameter conversion table.

[0130] On the other hand, according to the third embodiment, the imageediting contents information is converted into the capture conditioninformation matching in contents, and are stored as associated with theimage data. Therefore, since the digital camera 1 and the imageprocessing devices store the capture condition information as associatedwith the image data, the printer device 4 requires only the capturecondition information—printer correction parameter conversion table.

[0131] The image processing device generates capture conditioninformation based on the image editing process performed by the userwhen the image data of an image treated in the image editing process isstored, and stores the information as associated with the image data.

[0132]FIG. 13 is a table showing the correspondence between the contentsof the image editing performed on the image data by the image processingdevice and the capture condition information. Some items of the imageediting contents and the capture condition information are the same asthe items of the capture condition information—printer correctionparameter conversion table shown in FIG. 5 and the image editioncontents information—printer correction parameter conversion table shownin FIG. 6. The table shown in FIG. 13 is only an example, and each itemcan be variable depending on the specifications of the digital camera 1or the image processing device.

[0133] In FIG. 13, each item of the image editing contents ishorizontally arranged, and each item of the capture conditioninformation obtained by converting the image editing contents isvertically arranged. When the image processing device holds this type oftable, and stores the image data treated in the image editing process,corresponding capture condition information is obtained from the imageediting contents for the image data, and is stored as associated withthe image data.

[0134] For example, when a parameter changing process is performed on‘contrast’ in the image editing process, the item ‘strobe light’ is setto ‘no emission yet’, and the item ‘contrast’ is set to ‘standard’ inthe example of the table shown in FIG. 13, and when the parameter of thecontrast is increased by a predetermined value or more, the capturecondition information in which the ‘ISO sensitivity’ is set to‘increased’ is generated, and is stores as associated with the imagedata. Furthermore, if a ‘trimming’ process is performed as the capturecondition information, the capture condition information in which thevalue obtained by multiplying the digital zoom magnification by themagnification of trimming is set in the item ‘digital zoom’ of thecapture condition information is generated, and stored as associatedwith the image data.

[0135] In the third embodiment, since the digital camera 1 and the imageprocessing device store the capture condition information as associatedwith the image data, the printer device 4 only requires the capturecondition information—printer correction parameter conversion table,thereby simplifying the configuration of the printer device 4.

[0136] Described below is the operation process of each applianceaccording to the third embodiment.

[0137] According to the third embodiment, the digital camera 1 storesthe data of the captured image during image capturing as associated withthe capture condition information, but the processing operation is thesame as in the first embodiment, and performs a process similar to thatin the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. The printer device 4 equally processesthe image data treated in the image editing process and the data nottreated in the process. That is, as in the printing process according tothe first embodiment, the capture condition information associated withthe image data to be printed is converted into a print correctionparameter, and the image processing is performed based on the printcorrection parameter, and then a printing process is performed.Therefore, the operating process of the printer device 4 according tothe third embodiment is basically the same as the process shown in theflowchart in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0138]FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the image editing process of the imageprocessing device (image processing device 3, or the image processingdevice in the digital camera s or the printer device 4) according to thethird embodiment.

[0139] As same as in the first and second embodiment, when image data isedited, the image processing device first reads in step S61 the imagefile in which the image data of an image specified by the user isrecorded, and performs the image editing process of changing aparameter, etc. on the read image data at an instruction of the user instep S62.

[0140] When all image editing process is completed, and the image datatreated in the image editing process is stored, the image processingdevice converts the contents of the image editing process into thecapture condition information using the table as shown in FIG. 13 instep S63, replaces in step S64 the capture condition information withthe capture condition information associated with the original imagedata before the image editing process for what is to be replaceaccording to the contents of the image editing process. At this time theimage data can overwrite the image data of the original image before theimage editing process, or can be stored as another data.

[0141] Fourth Embodiment

[0142] In the fourth embodiment, the digital camera 1 and the imageprocessing device stores the image data as associated with the printcorrection parameter in addition to the capture condition informationand the image process editing contents information. Thus, the fourthembodiment can be applied although the printer device 4 does not havethe capture condition information—printer correction parameterconversion table, or the image edition contents information—printercorrection parameter conversion table, or, the digital camera 1 or theimage processing device, and the printer device 4 do not have the samespecifications of the print correction parameter.

[0143]FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the capturing process performed by thedigital camera 1 according to the fourth embodiment. The digital camera1 according to the fourth embodiment has a table for conversion ofvarious conditions during image capturing into a print correctionparameter which corresponds to the capture condition information—printercorrection parameter conversion table shown in FIG. 5.

[0144] In FIG. 15, the processes of checking a memory card to recordingthe capture condition information in steps S71 through S80 are the sameas those in steps S1 through S10 shown in FIG. 7, and the detailedexplanation is omitted here.

[0145] When the capture condition information about the captured imageis stored in step S80, the digital camera 1 uses a table for conversionof various conditions during image capturing into a print correctionparameter which corresponds to the capture condition information—printercorrection parameter conversion table shown in FIG. 5 to generate aprint correction parameter according to the capture conditioninformation about the image data in step S81, and stores in step S82 thegenerated parameter as associated with the image data stored in stepS79, thereby terminating the capturing process.

[0146]FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the image editing process of the imageprocessing device (the image processing device 3, or the imageprocessing device in the digital camera 1 or the printer device 4)according to the fourth embodiment. The image processing device in thefourth embodiment is provided with a table for conversion of thecontents of the image process editing performed on the image data into aprint correction parameter which corresponds to the image editioncontents information—printer correction parameter conversion table shownin FIG. 6.

[0147] In FIG. 16, the reading process of an image file steps S91through S93 is the same as the process in steps S11 through S13 in FIG.8. Therefore, the detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0148] In step S93, when the image process editing contents informationis stored as associated with the image data, a print correctionparameter is generated form the image process editing contentsinformation in step S94 using a table for conversion of image processediting contents into a print correction parameter which corresponds tothe image edition contents information—printer correction parameterconversion table shown in FIG. 6, and the print correction parameter isstored as associated with the image data in step S95. At this time, theimage data can overwrite the image data of the original image before theimage editing process, or can also be stored as separate data.

[0149] Since the printing process by the printer device 4 according tothe fourth embodiment is basically the same as the process in theflowchart shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the detailed explanation is omittedhere.

[0150] Fifth Embodiment

[0151] Unlike the first through fourth embodiments of the presentinvention, in the fifth embodiment, when the user performs an imageediting process by the image processing device on the image data storedduring image capturing, and the image data is intentionally treated inan adjusting edition process, the printer device 4 prints the image dataas is without using the image processing. That is, when the user doesnot perform an intentional image processing on the image data capturedby a digital camera, an image processing prepared for the printercorresponding to the type of a captured image is performed and aprinting process is performed, and when the user performs an intentionalimage processing on the image data, the printer does not perform anyimage processing and the image date processed by user as-is is printed.

[0152] According to the fifth embodiment, the image data is stored asassociated with a print correction process flag in addition to thecapture condition information. The print correction process flagindicates whether or not an image correction is made during printing,and the printer device 4 determines whether or not the image processingis performed depending on the set value of the print correction processflag.

[0153] The print correction process flag set ON with the capturecondition information is stored in the digital camera 1 as associatedwith the image data when the image data of the captured image isrecorded. After the user performs the image editing process, in theimage processing device, the print correction process flag set OFF whenthe image data is recorded is stored as associated with the image data.Then, the printer device 4 performs the image processing when the printcorrection process flag is set ON, and does not perform the imageprocessing and performs the printing process using the image data as iswhen the print correction process flag is set OFF.

[0154]FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the capturing process performed by thedigital camera 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0155] In FIG. 17, since the process of checking a memory card torecording the image data in steps S101 through S109 is the same as theprocess from steps S1 through S9 in FIG. 7, the detailed explanation isomitted here.

[0156] In step S109, when the image data of a captured image is stored,the digital camera 1 stores in step S110 the capture conditioninformation and/or the print correction parameter converted from thecapture condition information as associated with the image data. In stepS111, the print correction process flag is set to ON, and is stored asassociated with the image data, thereby terminating the capturingprocess.

[0157]FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the image editing process performed bythe image processing device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0158] When image data is edited, the image processing device (the imageprocessing device 3, or the image processing device in the digitalcamera 1 or the printer device 4) reads in step S121 the image file inwhich the image data of an image specified by the user is recorded as inthe above mentioned first through fourth embodiments. Then, in stepS122, the image processing device performs the image editing process ofchanging a parameter, etc. on the image data read at an instruction ofthe user. Then, in step S123, the image data treated in the imageediting process is recorded.

[0159] Then, the image processing device sets the print correctionprocess flag in the OFF state in step S124, and records in step S125 theflag as associated with the image data recorded in step S123, therebyterminating the image editing process.

[0160]FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the printing process performed by theprinter device 4 according to the fifth embodiment. According to thepresent embodiment, the process shown in FIG. 19 is can be configured tobe performed not by the printer device 4 but by the application programoperating on a PC.

[0161] In FIG. 19, when the printing process starts, the printer device4 reads in step S131 an image file in which the image data of an imagespecified by the user is recorded.

[0162] Then, in step S132, the print correction process flag associatedwith the read image file is checked. If the print correction processflag is set OFF (NO in step S132), then the image processing is notperformed, control is passed to step S138, and the image data isprinted.

[0163] If the print correction process flag is set ON in step S132 (YESin step S132), it is checked in step S133 whether or not the informationassociated with the read image file includes a print correctionparameter. If the associated print correction parameter is detected (YESin step S133), then the print correction parameter is read (step S134),since the print correction parameter is used in a print process ashaving a higher priority than the capture condition information and theimage editing contents information. If there is no assigned printcorrection parameter in step S133 (NO in step S133), then the capturecondition information or the image editing contents informationassociated with the image data is read in step S135, and is convertedinto a print correction parameter (step S136).

[0164] Then, using the print correction parameter obtained in step S134or S136, a print image processing is performed, and print data isgenerated in step S137. Then, in step S138, if the printer device 4performs the printing process, an image is printed based on the printdata. If the application program performs the printing process, theprint data is transmitted to the printer device which is to print animage, thereby terminating the printing process.

[0165]FIG. 20 shows an example of a storage medium according to thepresent embodiment.

[0166] In the PC shown in FIG. 4, application software can be exchangedusing a storage medium 57 such as a flexible disk, etc. Therefore, thepresent invention is not limited to a printing system or an imageprocessing device, but can be configured as a program used to direct acomputer to perform the function of the image processing device 3 ineach embodiment of the present invention, and a computer-readablestorage medium 67 when the present invention is applied to the computer.

[0167] In this case, for example, the ‘storage medium’ can be a portablestorage medium 76 attachable to and removable from a medium read device77 such as CD-ROM, a floppy disk (or an MO, a DVD, a removable harddisk, etc.), a storage unit (database, etc.) 72 in an external device(server, etc.) communicable through a network circuit 73, a storagedevice (RAM or a hard disk, etc.) 75, etc. in a body 74 of aninformation processing device 71, etc. as shown in FIG. 20. A programstored in the portable storage medium 76 or the storage unit (database,etc.) is loaded into memory (RAM or a hard disk, etc.) 75 in the body 74for execution.

[0168] According to the present invention, a user can obtain a printedimage in the optimum state without a special instruction issued in aprinting process on the image data captured by a digital camera.

[0169] In addition, although image data is treated by the user in theimage editing process, the user can obtain a desired printed imagewithout a special instruction.

What is claimed is:
 1. A printing system, comprising: a camera unitperforming an electro-optic conversion on an image from a subject,generating image data storable in a storage unit, and storing printinstruction information as associated with the image data according tocapture information relating to capture of the image; an image editingunit performing image editing on the image data; an informationrewriting unit rewriting the print instruction information stored asassociated with the image data corresponding to contents of imageediting by the image editing unit; and a printing unit performing aprinting process after performing a predetermined image processing onthe image data corresponding to the print instruction information. 2.The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising a storageunit storing image data processed in image editing by the image editingunit as associated with the print instruction information rewritten bythe information rewriting unit corresponding to the contents of theimage editing of the image editing unit.
 3. The printing systemaccording to claim 1, wherein: the capture information includesinformation indicating a scene mode during image capturing.
 4. Theprinting system according to claim 1, wherein the capture informationincludes information indicating settings other than a main function forcapturing.
 5. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein thecapture information indicates an operation during image capturing. 6.The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the print instructioninformation includes restriction instruction information forrestrictions and instructions on the image processing performed by theprinting unit on the image data associated with the print instructioninformation.
 7. The printing system according to claim 6, wherein therestriction instruction information is parameter setting informationincluding one or more parameter indicating a restriction and aninstruction for each of a plurality of processes to be performed in apredetermined image processing.
 8. The printing system according toclaim 1, wherein the print instruction information includes at least oneof information indicating a scene mode during image capturing,information indicating a setting state of an additional function otherthan a main function for capturing, and information indicating anoperation during image capturing, and information for restrictions andinstructions for the predetermined image processing performed by theprinting unit on image data with which the print instruction informationis associated.
 9. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein theprint instruction information includes the capture information, and theprinting unit comprises a conversion unit for converting the captureinformation into parameter setting information containing one or moreparameters indicating restrictions and instructions for each of aplurality of processes performed in the predetermined image processing.10. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the informationrewriting unit rewrites the print instruction information intoinformation indicating contents of the image editing.
 11. The printingsystem according to claim 1, wherein the information rewriting unitrewrites the print instruction information such that the printinstruction information can include information for restrictions andinstructions for the predetermined image processing performed by theprinting unit on the information about the contents of the image editingand the image data associated with the print instruction information.12. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the informationrewriting unit rewrites the print instruction information such that theprint instruction information can include information for restrictionsand instructions for the predetermined image processing performed by theprinting unit on the image data with which the print instructioninformation is associated.
 13. The printing system according to claim 1,wherein the information rewriting unit converts information indicatingthe contents of the image editing into the capture information, andrewrites the print instruction information according to the captureinformation.
 14. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein theprint instruction information includes print correction processinformation indicating whether or not image editing is performed by theimage editing unit on the image data.
 15. The printing system accordingto claim 1, wherein the information rewriting unit rewrites the printinstruction information such that the print instruction information caninclude the information indicative of suppression of a process on aspecific parameter on which the image editing unit performs the imageediting in the predetermined image processing.
 16. The printing systemaccording to claim 15, wherein the specific parameter is a mixing ratioof color elements configuring an image.
 17. The printing systemaccording to claim 15, wherein the specific parameter is at least one ofbrightness, a gray scale, and chroma.
 18. The printing system accordingto claim 1, wherein the capture information includes informationindicating a scene mode during image capturing, information indicatingthe state of setting a additional function other than a main functionfor capturing and information indicating an operation during imagecapturing and the information rewriting unit rewrites the printinstruction information after converting the capture information intorestriction instruction information for restrictions and instructionsfor the predetermined image processing performed by the printing unit onthe image data associated with the print instruction information. 19.The printing system according to claim 18, wherein the restrictioninstruction information is parameter setting information including oneor more parameter indicative of restrictions and instructions for eachof a plurality of processes performed in the predetermined imageprocessing.
 20. An image processing device, comprising: an image editingunit performing image editing on image data storable in a storage unitafter being obtained by performing an electro-optic conversion on animage from a subject; and an information rewriting unit rewriting printinstruction information according to capture information relating tocapture of the image data stored as associated with the image datacorresponding to the contents of the image editing by the image editingunit.
 21. The image processing device according to claim 20, wherein theprint instruction information indicates restrictions and instructionsfor predetermined image processing performed when the image data isprinted.
 22. The image processing device according to claim 20, furthercomprising an information writing unit storing image data on which imageediting is performed by the image editing unit, and the printinstruction information rewritten by the information rewriting unit asassociated with each other in the storage unit.
 23. The image processingdevice according to claim 20, wherein the capture information includesinformation indicating a scene mode during image capturing.
 24. Theimage processing device according to claim 20, wherein the captureinformation includes information indicating settings other than a mainfunction for capturing.
 25. The image processing device according toclaim 20, wherein the capture information indicates an operation duringimage capturing.
 26. The image processing device according to claim 20,wherein the print instruction information includes restrictioninstruction information for restrictions and instructions on the imageprocessing performed when printing image data associated with the printinstruction information.
 27. The image processing device according toclaim 26, wherein the restriction instruction information is parametersetting information including one or more parameter indicating arestriction and an instruction for each of a plurality of processes tobe performed in a predetermined image processing performed when aprinting process is performed.
 28. The image processing device accordingto claim 20, wherein the print instruction information includes at leastone of information indicating a scene mode during image capturing,information indicating a setting state of an additional function otherthan a main function for capturing, and information indicating anoperation during image capturing, and information for restrictions andinstructions for the predetermined image processing performed when imagedata with which the print instruction information is associated isprinted.
 29. The image processing device according to claim 20, whereinthe information rewriting unit rewrites the print instructioninformation into information indicating contents of the image editing.30. The image processing device according to claim 20, wherein theinformation rewriting unit rewrites the print instruction informationsuch that the print instruction information can include information forrestrictions and instructions for the predetermined image processingperformed during printing on the information about the contents of theimage editing and the image data associated with the print instructioninformation.
 31. The image processing device according to claim 20,wherein the information rewriting unit rewrites the print instructioninformation such that the print instruction information can includeinformation for restrictions and instructions for the predeterminedimage processing performed during printing on the image data with whichthe print instruction information is associated.
 32. The imageprocessing device according to claim 20, wherein the informationrewriting unit converts information indicating the contents of the imageediting into the capture information, and rewrites the print instructioninformation according to the capture information.
 33. The imageprocessing device according to claim 20, wherein the print instructioninformation includes print correction process information indicatingwhether or not image editing is performed by the image editing unit onthe image data.
 34. The image processing device according to claim 20,wherein the information rewriting unit rewrites the print instructioninformation such that the print instruction information can include theinformation indicative of suppression of a process on a specificparameter on which the image editing unit performs the image editing inthe predetermined image processing during printing.
 35. The imageprocessing device according to claim 34, wherein the specific parameteris a mixing ratio of color elements configuring an image.
 36. The imageprocessing device according to claim 34, wherein the specific parameteris at least one of brightness, a gray scale, and chroma.
 37. The imageprocessing device according to claim 20, wherein the capture informationincludes information indicating a scene mode during image capturing,information indicating the state of setting a additional function otherthan a main function for capturing and information indicating anoperation during image capturing, and the information rewriting unitrewrites the print instruction information after converting the captureinformation into restriction instruction information for restrictionsand instructions for the predetermined image processing performed by theprinting unit on the image data associated with the print instructioninformation.
 38. The image processing device according to claim 37,wherein the restriction instruction information is parameter settinginformation including one or more parameter indicative of restrictionsand instructions for each of a plurality of processes performed in thepredetermined image processing.
 39. A printing system, comprising:camera means for performing an electro-optic conversion on an image froma subject, generating image data storable in storage means, and storingprint instruction information as associated with the image dataaccording to capture information relating to capture of the image; imageediting means for performing image editing on the image data;information rewriting means for rewriting the print instructioninformation stored as associated with the image data corresponding tocontents of image editing by the image editing means; and printing meansfor performing a printing process after performing a predetermined imageprocessing on the image data corresponding to the print instructioninformation.
 40. An image processing device, comprising: image editingmeans for performing image editing on image data storable in storagemeans after being obtained by performing an electro-optic conversion onan image from a subject; and information rewriting means for rewritingprint instruction information according to capture information relatingto capture of the image data stored as associated with the image datacorresponding to the contents of the image editing by the image editingmeans.
 41. A printing method, comprising: performing an electro-opticconversion on an image from a subject, generating image data storable instorage unit, and storing print instruction information as associatedwith the image data according to capture information relating to captureof the image; performing image editing on the image data; rewriting theprint instruction information stored as associated with the image data.corresponding to contents of image editing; and performing a printingprocess after performing a predetermined image processing on the imagedata corresponding to the print instruction information.
 42. The methodaccording to claim 41, further comprising storing image data processedin image editing as associated with the print instruction informationrewritten corresponding to the contents of the image editing.
 43. Themethod according to claim 41, wherein the print instruction informationincludes information for restrictions and instructions on the imageprocessing performed on the image data associated with the printinstruction information.
 44. An image processing method, comprising:performing image editing on image data storable in a storage unit afterbeing obtained by performing an electro-optic conversion on an imagefrom a subject; and rewriting print instruction information according tocapture information relating to capture of the image data stored asassociated with the image data corresponding to the contents of theimage editing.
 45. The method according to claim 44, wherein storingimage data processed in image editing as associated with the printinstruction information rewritten corresponding to the contents of theimage editing.
 46. The method according to claim 44, wherein the printinstruction information includes information for restrictions andinstructions on the image processing performed on the image dataassociated with the print instruction information.
 47. Acomputer-readable portable storage medium storing a program used todirect a computer to perform: performing image editing on image datastorable in a storage unit after being obtained by performing anelectro-optic conversion on an image from a subject; and rewriting printinstruction information according to capture information relating tocapture of the image data stored as associated with the image datacorresponding to the contents of the image editing.